Designing Better Engineering Education Through Assessment: A Book Review

Abstract

Designing Better Engineering Education Through Assessment: A Practical Resource for Faculty and Department Chairs on Using Assessment and ABET Criteria to Improve Student Learning, edited by Joni E. Spurlin, Sarah A. Rajala, and Jerome P. Lavelle, provides a comprehensive guide to enhancing engineering education through effective assessment practices aligned with ABET accreditation standards. Aimed at faculty members and department chairs, this book focuses on the practical application of assessment methods to improve student learning and meet accreditation criteria. It explores the role of both formative and summative assessments in evaluating student outcomes at various stages of the engineering curriculum, from introductory courses to capstone projects and graduate education. The book is divided into four main parts: the basics of assessment, barriers and challenges to effective implementation, assessing student learning across the educational continuum, and the future of assessment in engineering education. The first part introduces fundamental assessment concepts and the importance of aligning assessments with desired learning outcomes. The second part addresses common obstacles, such as faculty resistance and institutional inertia, and provides strategies for overcoming these challenges. Part three discusses the integration of assessment throughout the engineering education experience, emphasizing methods used at different educational stages. The final part looks ahead, examining emerging trends and technologies that could transform the future of assessment. Through its practical examples, case studies, and expert insights, this book serves as a valuable resource for those seeking to improve engineering programs by ensuring that student learning is effectively measured and continuously enhanced. It offers actionable strategies for creating a culture of assessment that supports the ongoing improvement of engineering education.